LANGLEY AFB, VA. –
The 1st Fighter Wing Hospital is still awaiting delivery of the annual injectable influenza, or flu vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there isn't a shortage of flu vaccine this season; however vaccine manufacturers are experiencing a delay in shipping. At this time, we are anticipating the flu vaccine to arrive in late November. While is the optimal time to get vaccinated is from October to November, people who receive flu shot in December still provides adequate time to protect against influenza during the high activity periods in January and later Spring months
The CDC has identified the following high risk conditions and recommends people with these conditions should get vaccinated each year. These individuals are either at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or live with or care for high-risk persons.
People who are unsure if they are high risk can ask their health care providers.
People at high risk for complications from the flu include:
· Children between 6 months and 5 years old
· Pregnant women
· People 50 years of age and older,
· People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions, and
· People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities.
Once the hospital receives its first shipment of flu vaccine, patients and beneficiaries will be quickly and efficiently vaccinated. Watch for future notices on times and locations of flu shot lines in The Flyer, the marquee and the Langley Web site. Active-duty personnel are reminded the influenza vaccine is mandatory.
Here are some tips to help people stay healthy:
· Avoid close contact with those who are ill
· If possible, stay home when sick
· Wash your hands often
· Practice other good health habits (get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids)
Questions may be directed to Public Health at 764-5252. Influenza and vaccine information is also available from the
CDC.